[Reconstruction of the urethra by free jejunal graft]

Reconstruction of the penis using a free jejunum transplant with microsurgery revascularization was developed initially with an animal model. The technique was found to be successful in the dog and was applied in a 17-year-old patient. The main advantages of the technique are to permit mucomucosal anastomosis between the urethra and the jejunal transplant thus avoiding stenosis. The major disadvantages are the required laparotomy and microsurgery procedures. Indications are exceptional and result from major tissue loss due to trauma or tumoural development and/or in certain cases of transsexualism. The technique allows a better quality of life without exposure to the many complications described in the literature for other techniques.